Ask Instructor David Barrett

Hello David,

In Accompaniment Playing Study 3, Ex 2.2, when playing chord tones, holes 1-6. Hole 6 is G blow and A draw. A is the 9th of the G chord but it doesn't sound right (good to me) when it is played for the G chord.,so I will use G, 6 blow for the G and the C chords, and A, 6 draw for the D.

This Level 3 has not been easy for me; I want to be sure I have the right idea before I submit my effort. Thanks.

Hank

I came down with a cold this week, and I assumed that congestion and harmonica don't mix, but I wanted to know - do people practice with runny noses? Does the harp get gross and clogged, and if so is it fixable? I don't mean anything ridiculous- I'm not coughing nonstop or anything, but I was on a roll with regular practice and it's frustrating to sit idle because of germs. 

Thanks,

Bob W

You are probably tired of hearing this same question I assume. continue reading...

Hey, David, hope all is well. Question for you. Years ago (!) when I first picked up a Marine Band in C I also got an instruction book with it. This book teaches what I now know as 1st position. In taking your courses I've learned that Blues players prefer 2nd position but may also use 3rd position as well. It seems that 1st position is disfavored, at least somewhat.

1. Is 1st position disfavored? If so, why so? Is it favored by any other style of harp playing, like Irish or Country? continue reading...

I'm looking for an amplifier that meets all situations, is a "for life". My first choice would be the Fender Princeton Reverb 68 Custom, however, I found the Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb at the same price.

In that case, what is the best option?

Hello David, 

What does the letter R followed by 1st, 2nd, etc.means?

Thank you.

Hi David, one of my favorite harmonica riffs is the solo part performed by John Fogerty, graveyard train, but it seems there is no tab on this. Any ideas how can I transcribe it or find it?

Thank you in advance and also for entertaining this out of context dumb question.

Sincerely.

I was given a C harmonica with a code to try your website, but I see that your lessons are calling for an A instead.  Can I still use this harmonica with your lessons?  Or do I need to find someting else?  Probably not going to run out and buy another harmonica since I am just trying to see if I'll get into it or not.  Thanks for the help and being willing to offer some free material to us beginners!

Hello, is there a Tuner you would recommend besides harp ninja? thanx.

Hi Dave,

Are you comfortable receiving a work in progress study song to give feedback on what needs to be improved before a formal assessment submission?

Nick T